MEDICAL HINTS. 
169 
Hay Fever. 
This is a very severe catarrh which attacks certain individuals yearly, 
when grasses and other plants are flowering. It is most probably due 
to the irritation of the nose by pollen grains in the air. 
Treatment. —Exposure to the irritating substances which are known 
to provoke an attack should be avoided. 
The nose may be syringed out with a lotion containing boric acid 
and bicarbonate of soda (five grains of each in four ounces of water), or 
one containing bicarbonate of soda and salt (five grains of each in four 
ounces of water), to which has been added two to four drops of carbolic 
acid. The interior of the nostrils may be anointed with vaseline. 
Menthol snuff is of great value. 
Laryngitis , or inflammation of the upper part of the windpipe . 
The organ of voice is called “ the larynx ” 
When the windpipe is affected it is somewhat tender on pressure, 
there is hoarseness, cough, and pain in swallowing. Treatment similar 
to that for cold in the head may be adopted; in addition, the upper 
part of the front of the throat should be kept well poulticed for a day 
or two, and then wrapped up in cotton wool for some days longer. A 
piece of mustard leaf covered with six layers of a handkerchief and 
secured by a bandage, can usually be borne for a considerable time, 
and is often more efficacious than the poultice; when the smarting is 
great the mustard leaf should be removed and the tender part smeared 
with oil or vaseline. 
Inhalations of steam are of use in promoting expectoration. Carbonate 
of ammonia, three grains, or bicarbonate of potash, five grains, with half 
to two grains of ipecacuanha, will help to promote secretion from the 
affected part. 
Quinsy , or inflammation of the tonsils. 
Apply poultices to the neck. Gargle with a hot, weak solution of 
permanganate of potash, or a solution of chinosol (1 in 2000), at least 
every hour. Administer quinine and iron as a tonic. Keep the bowels 
well open. 
